Diversity of medium-sized and large mammals from Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract

Studies on mammal diversity provide the essential groundwork for the development of conservation methods and practices. The region of the Poços de Caldas Plateau is lacks such studies, which may be a problem for future conservation actions. Here, we analyze the richness of medium-sized and large mammals from Atlantic Forest remnants on the Poços de Caldas Plateau, Minas Gerais state. Diurnal censuses of direct observations and mammal signs were conducted, and we documented 20 species of mammals belonging to eight orders. Three species of primates, one carnivore, one cingulate, one lagomorpha, three rodents, one artiodactyla, and two marsupials were found. The largest forest remnant that presented the greatest richness is currently a conservation unit. Forest remnants are important for the consolidation of management strategies and have fundamental role for the conservation of mammal diversity in the south of Minas Gerais state.

Mammals recorded in isolated remnants of Atlantic Forest in southern Goiás, Brazil

“…On an ampler, and more directly comparable scale, the mammalian faunas recorded in fragments of Atlantic Forest in other regions of Brazil, such as São Paulo and Minas Gerais, were between 52% and 67% similar to that recorded in the present study (Magioli et al, 2014;Machado et al, 2016;Laurindo et al, 2017;Bovo et al, 2018 The similarities were even greater in comparison with fragments of Cerrado savanna, protected or otherwise, with an average of 83% of species in common (Rodrigues et al, 2002;Bocchiglieri et al, 2010;Campos et al, 2013;Leite et al, 2016;Cabral et al, 2017), reflecting the considerable influence of this biome on the mammalian fauna of the study area. The species richness recorded in the present study is probably also a reflection of the vegetation structure of the fragments surveyed, which are formed predominantly by seasonal semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest in transition with areas of Cerrado savanna (Melo et al 2013).…”

Mamíferos De Médio E Grande Porte No Campus Da Universidade Federal De Lavras, Sul Do Estado De Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Em relação à ordem Carnivora, que representou 45% das espécies registradas, nossos resultados são semelhantes aos encontrados em outros inventários de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na Mata Atlântica e no Cerrado, além da baixa frequência de registros também ter sido comum em todos os estudos (Magioli et al 2014, Reale et al 2014, Machado et al 2016, Santos et al 2016, Rosa & Sousa 2017. Espécies desta ordem ocorrem em paisagens fragmentadas e possuem alta mobilidade e habilidade em explorar os recursos em ambientes antropizados (Lyra-Jorge et al 2008, Bocchiglieri et al 2010, apesar de serem frequentemente dependentes de áreas florestais e apresentarem uma baixa densidade (Robinson & Redford 1986).…”

Rapid ecological assessment of mammals from a locality of middle basin at Palmar River, Zulia state, Venezuela

“…Despite the differences on sampling efforts for all vegetation types, the percentage of species reported associated with the riparian evergreen (n = 20; 42 %) and lowland dry (n = 13; 28 %) forests could be explained, on one hand, by the bats sampling (see below; Table 1) during the study. However, alternatively, results can be explained by the greater spatial heterogeneity of riparian habitats, which provide greater diversity of refuges and food (e.g., Machado et al 2016). It is also possible to infer that the species richness observed in Campo Boscán is considerably high due the overlap of different environments (i.e., ecotones) in this region; this is evidenced by the presence of four species (Sylvilagus floridanus, Calomys hummelincki, Sigmodon alstoni, and Urocyon cinereoargenteus) defined as characteristic elements of dry forests and savannas.…”

“…It is also possible to infer that the species richness observed in Campo Boscán is considerably high due the overlap of different environments (i.e., ecotones) in this region; this is evidenced by the presence of four species (Sylvilagus floridanus, Calomys hummelincki, Sigmodon alstoni, and Urocyon cinereoargenteus) defined as characteristic elements of dry forests and savannas. This mixed composition increases the biological importance of region (e.g., Costa et al 2000, Joshi 2016, Machado et al 2016, which emphasizes the need for its conservation in order to preserve the biodiversity of these fragments.…”

“…Most species of mammals in our study have wide distributions along Venezuela and some medium-size and large species were strongly associated with diverse ecotones -mainly dependent on water-for example L. longicaudis, Procyon cancrivorus, and Hydrochaeris isthmius. Felid species (Carnivora), such as Puma concolor and P. yagouaroundi, are mainly associated with riparian evergreen forest areas, but can expand their home range given their ability to occupy open areas with intervened covers such as pastures and crops (MARN-PROFAUNA 1997, Prieto-Torres et al 2011, Machado et al 2016. Furthermore, despite Primates are among the most endangered groups, it is important to note that there is few information on the ecology and conservation status of species such as Alouatta seniculus and Cebus albifrons in MLD' areas (Portillo & Velásquez 2006).…”